Control logic in a memory device identifies a set of a plurality of memory cells configured as multi-level cell (MLC) memory to be programmed during a program operation and applies, during a first time period of the program operation, a ramping wordline voltage to a set of wordlines associated with the memory array. The control logic causes, during the first time period, a disconnection of a set of pillars associated with the set of memory cells from a voltage supply and ground voltage, wherein each pillar corresponds to a programming level of a set of programming levels. The control logic further causes, during a second time period of the program operation, a set of programming pulses to be applied to the set of memory cells, wherein each programming pulse of the set of programming pulses programs each programming level of the set of programming levels associated with the identified set of memory cells.